Founded in 2011, The Thinking Writer has taught hundreds of professors, freelance writers, and intellectuals how to reach wider audiences.
We offer courses for freelancers and book writers, individual editing services and campus workshops.
The mission of The Thinking Writer courses and workshops is to draw back the curtain on the freelancing and editing process, because we believe transparency aids access. It also fosters a supportive and challenging community for intellectual and cultural journalists.
Our work succeeds. Previous courses have helped many people receive their first published clips as well as help established freelancers break into new markets, including The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, ScientificAmerican.com, Guernica, Mental Floss, Atlas Obscura, JSTOR Daily, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Education, Pacific Standard and numerous other publications. Some participants have written and sold their first-ever pitch during the course; some have become full-time freelancers after taking the course. People who have hired us for individual editing have landed trade and academic book contracts. Faculty who have attended our campus sessions have sold ideas developed in workshops to national publications.
Our rates are very affordable, especially given the quality and our track record of success. We do not advertise, as most of our participants find us through word of mouth. Most courses fill up quickly. Take a look around; we hope you will join us.
Read what those who have take the course have to say
MORE ABOUT OUR COURSES
Most courses last two weeks, and consist of lessons posted online. Participants also receive access to The Thinking Writer Market Database containing editor and pay information. During the two weeks, participants read the lessons, ask questions and comment on the material, and, optionally, post drafts of their work-in-progress for feedback.
The course can be “taken” at any time–there is no time commitment or scheduling requirements. Some people choose to read all the material once, on the last day; others participate actively every day of the course. The materials are accessible for six weeks after the course ends should participants become busy during the course itself.
But it may be after courses officially end that the true benefit of The Thinking Writer kicks in. All “alums” are eligible to participate in a private Facebook group, where people share resources, cheer on each others’ successes, and brainstorm new story ideas. Many additional communities have formed over the years as a result of the Thinking Writer, including off-line writing groups and meet ups. Thinking Writer alums have hired each other for jobs over the years, and often alert the group of new opportunities.
The ideal participant is interested in publishing cultural or intellectual journalism, essays, or creative non-fiction. Those wishing to find a larger audience for their scholarly ideas will find the courses useful, as will staff writers eager to learn the ins and outs of freelancing. The courses are also good for anyone curious about the pitching process or seeking the community and structure that a two-week course provides.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or inquiries!
